Cholera in Lagos: Poor Hygiene, Not Tiger nut, Zobo Drinks

Talking about hygiene in Nigeria, the risk of cholera is typically associated contaminated water or food, rather than specific brands of drink. However, locally produced drinks, especially those made and sold under unhygienic conditions, can be a source of cholera if they are contaminated with the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. Some factors that increase the risk are evident. Solutions are also provided.

• Beverages like zobo (a hibiscus-based drink), kunu (a traditional millet or sorghum drink), and locally made fruit juices can be risky if the water used in their preparation is contaminated.
• Drinks sold by street vendors, who may not adhere to strict hygiene practices, pose a higher risk. Some sellers are not clean in appearance, so they may not be able to produce clean drinks.If people put the welfare of others in mind, it would reduce the risk of cholera. Some local drinks like palm wine, which is a popular drink in both rural and urban areas had fed many elders who lived to ripe old age. The question is why there is more devotion to people’s welfare in rural areas than urban centres.

• Improper storage can lead to contamination and proliferation of bacteria. It is reliably gathered that some street vendors store their drinks in recycled bottles picked from hospitals, garbage bins, gutters. Then, the slogan is keep in clean, new bottles and do not take if the seal is broken.

• Stamping out cholera in Lagos requires a multi-pronged approach involving public health education, improved sanitation, and government interventions.

• Purchase from reputable sources that follow proper hygiene practices.Avoid drinks that appear unhygienic or are sold in unsanitary conditions.
• It is important to say again that if local drinks are handled better, there would be a reduction in the growing rate of cholera attacks.
• Educate residents and local drinks producers about cholera prevention, symptoms, and the importance of early treatment. Use social media, radio, television, and community leaders for outreach.
• Promote proper hand washing with soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
• Teach people to boil or treat water with chlorine before drinking.
• Do proper waste management: Ensure proper disposal of human and household waste to prevent contamination of water sources.
• Improve toilet facilities. Provide accessible and hygienic toilet facilities, especially in slums and densely populated areas.
• Maintain and improve drainage systems to prevent water stagnation.
• Maintain access to clean water. Expand access to clean and safe drinking water, particularly in underserved areas.
• Do regular water testing. Monitor water sources for contamination and address issues promptly.
• Train healthcare workers to quickly identify and treat cholera cases to reduce fatalities.
• Use oral rehydration therapy (ORT). Ensure oral rehydration salts (ORS) and intravenous fluids are readily available.
• Administer cholera vaccines in high-risk communities to prevent outbreaks.
• Involve traditional and religious leaders to champion cholera prevention efforts.
• Train community health volunteers to spread awareness and report outbreaks promptly.
• Enforce laws on sanitation, waste disposal, and clean water provision.
• Invest in water and sanitation infrastructure to meet the needs of Lagos’ growing population.
• Implement robust disease surveillance systems to detect and contain outbreaks quickly.
• NGOs and International Organizations: Partner with health organisations like WHO and UNICEF for resources, expertise, and funding.
• Engage private companies to support water treatment, sanitation projects, and public awareness campaigns.
• Know the hotline for reporting cases. Establish a toll-free line for reporting suspected cases.
• Maintain reserves of essential supplies like ORS, IV fluids, and antibiotics.By addressing the root causes and strengthening public health infrastructure, Lagos can effectively eradicate cholera and prevent future outbreaks.